First measurement of hyperfine structure inN2+

Abstract
The hyperfine structure (hfs) of N2+ has been resolved for the first time, using Doppler-tuned laser fluorescence spectroscopy. Observations in the region of the (0,1) bandhead of the BΣu+2XΣg+2 first negative system give hfs constants in reasonable agreement with calculations based on the wave functions of Cade et al. Preliminary values obtained for the spin-rotation constants are also presented.